LOYE AND PIOI^SE, 



COPYRIGHTED. 



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^A DRAMAr- 



Taken fram facts in my DAx/n life, and arranged for llie 

SUPPORT OF MYSELF AI2D i.)HiLDI^E-N, 

and as a Tx/arning to my sexj trnsUng, vjhh the iielp ut 
G-od, to savE my "weak and thouglitlEss sisters 

■- '■ irum a life of 



MISEf(Y, SHAME AND REMORSE 



BY MRS. E. ADAMS. 

7 '■ ^ 

CLEVELAND, ().: 
KENNKOY .Vr JlOTV, PKINTKKS AND STATIONKliS, oWJ FK Afc 1? hfT™" 

1SS5. 



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INTRODUCTORY SCENE. 



I A beautiful home, with ek-gant aiul extensive grounds : with all the 

surroundings denoting wealth and luxury. Three beautiful children, two 
girls and a boy, playing on the lawn; whose very countennnees beam with 
happiness and delight, as their busy little hands twine into garlands for 
their mamma, the daisies and forget-me-nots their little brother has showered 
in their laps, and around them, laughing the while, with innocent glee at 
the pleasure and surprise that awaits mamma, when she shall see the work of 
their little dimpled fingers. Even Rover, the large Newfoundland, looks on 
with satisfaction, as he follows his little master hither and thither over the 
grounds. 

"AtTeetioiis Eye is ever watclil'ul.'' 

Mama conies out on the lawn, looking for her chihlien, and to enter 
into their childish sports. The little ones, forgetful of (n^ery thing else, clap 
their hands with delight, and shout aloud, when they see mamma, the center 
oi all their joys, coming toward them — for they have finished their work 
and are ready with loving hands to crown the one most beloved by them on 
earth — Love, the watchword of home and hearth, beams on every counten- 
ance and gleams from every eye. No thought of sorrow mars the present 
no future evil is anticipated in that loving home-nest, for as yet no enemy 
has intruded their happy home. The children lead mamma and seat her in 
a swing and proceed to deck hev with flowers. 

V Master Charlie — "O I wish papa tould see you mamma, you look so 

nice, with all these pritty fowers. Now I want Rover dessed up too — " 
[Proceeding to place a garland of flowers around Rover's neck] "Now 
Rover must be a dood dody, for you look just like mamma." 

(Pai>a, wlio, has intlie iiieantinie heeji standing in the background, watching the happy 
group, heard the expressed wish of his little son, and silently lifts his heart in thanksgiving 
to (xod for giving hiui so nnich living lia|)i)iness. He now steps fortli and joins the little 
groui», with a [tleasant surprise for all, as he unfolds to them his jilans for the morrow— a 
[tleasure trip on tlie Lake. ) 

Papa — "Well my children, have you been trying to make a flower- 
queen of mamma ?" 

Mama —"Affection has woven for me this garland of flowers, moi-e 
precious than wealth or renown." ' 

\Master Charlie-" Don't you think niammaooksdesike Rover, Papa?^ 

Papa — "Well my boy, you are very com])limojitary ; but lAliave a 
pleasant surprise for you all. There is to be an excursion to Put-In Bav 
to-raorrow, and 1 have secured tickets for us allHind hope it will be a pleas- 
ant day, for it is a delightful trip to the Bay if tlie weather is fine7'\ 



, Eftif (jl>iecls. I "But pajci, willdr.til w.iiil ii^i to go to Put-In-Bay on 
Siuidav, aii'l not to go to Sunday-school ?" 

^rvsiKH (.'ir.VKLTK — "Fse afraid Dod wouldn't do, if he was a little boy 
—and maybe dere is dreat big whale.s in the lake, and if I'ze wicked, Dod 
might think [ was louah and frow ine overboard. " 

P.vi'A — Why ('liarlie, my son, you will not be afraid if papa and mamma - 
are with you?" 

Chaiilik — -Maud tan do if she wants to, toy. she's a littli- dirl, and 
whiles w.>n't t.i k ' her- -but I an a little boy like Jonah wasnud I dess, EtHe, 
you and I will do to .Sunday-stool." '. 

Pai'A — ''Well, well, my children, may you ever l)e kept as})ure and I'.n- 
eontaminated as \ou are to-day. Yon mux go to Snuday-school and pray 
for papa, mamma and little sister, but come, my little treasures, and sing for 
[)apa his favorite song." 

iChildien in cjiorus > ^'es. papa." 

( I'apa leads them in and they sing.) Song. 



2nd scene. 



In Scene 2n(., .Maud })er.<onates her sister Ivlilli. This sceni' also rep- 
resents a boat at the dock with passengers entering, preparatory to leaving. 
This hap})y husband, wife and Edith are in the crowd, never dreaming of 
the siOKi'KN'j' in their trail, with its poi.sonons fangs drawn to strike only too 
dee|) and lasting to ever be healed. Unsuspecting, these loving heai'ts 
mingle with the merry throng as they sail over tlie lieautifnl lake, while 
with steady and stealthy step at Hrst, then with relentless and determined 
heart, and with snakelike eyes fastened upon its lovely victim, this fiend in 
the gaib of humanity, persues in their wake for his aim must be cure. But 
how dare he? How can he approach this beautiful woman? And what is 
this strange, magnetic power that di-aws .so irresistably those angel-eyes in 
his direction? Is he endowed with the power to charm, as the snake would 
draw the dove within its fangs, to suiv death and destruction? lint he is 
n-th .<s and ill at ea.se. A sudden fear comes over him as he gazes upon 
this beautiful woman — for she resents this continued gaze, yet without the 
powei- to withdraw her eyes from tlu^ impending danger. 

-OI merciful Heaven save me," she exclaii)ied, as her beautiful eyesi 
tla>hcd .scorn and contempt upon him. 



(ti:xt — "H:i! li;i! my Hi\e lady! S(i you sc'oni iiic, do you? —Well never 
woman ,<o high, so dif^daini'ul, ihat I could not eonijuer :in<l humble their 
pride. Throunh the ehihl I shall conquer, yes, the child shall lead the 
land) to the slaughter. Through the child y(m love so dearly, you shall 
bend the head, yea, and the heart too, il'I will it so. [He slowly tui'us away, ■ 
hut as he turns he looks at Edirh, and smiles, ami hecons to her to come to 
him.] 

10i>iTii — "()!iiaminn I did you see that nice genth ,iian looking at yon 

and " 

Mam.ma — "Hush mv dear! let us gu in ?e-ireli of papa — lint here comes 
our friend, Mrs. (tirard, and Bessie." 
[They approach.] 

.Mr8. (jiu.\i;n — "Why my <leai', what is rlie mailer? Have ymi seen a 
ghost, are yon sea-sick, or what is it? Tell me, m\- dear.' 

^[.\MM.-\. — "N>)nsense! It is nothing of ilie kind, nothing whatever. 1 
should be ashamed of any such weakness, butoh! that ten-ible man ! tho.<e 
snake-like eyes, they have set my very brain wldrling, they thrill my hearts- 
blood — 1 eaniiot tell yon what has come over me. The verv Heavensabove 
look dai'k, ami seems about to tall with cruslung weight upon me." 

[While talking together, the children wander hand-in-liand out of 
sight, and gent entices I'^dith with nuts and candies.] 

Mhs. (tii^.ari) — "Do you refei', my dear, to that tall, bi'oad shouldered 
man, with those ])iercing eycs ami silvered Iniir? — one I should call a pidish- 
ed gentleman, yet a danyerous man. fYes, my dear, I oi)served his long con- 
tinued gaze iu yoin- direction, but please do not fear. This nervousness will 
soon pass away, and you will be your own sweet self again." 

Mamma — "I hope to Heaven hv maynevHrlook at you ashe<lid at me." 
Mks. rjii;Ai;i> — "His |»owers to fa.-inate im\y not be exerted ovei- all 
alike.1' 

/ >[amma — "Heaven forbid! but wlici'c are oiu' little ones. () Kditli, m\- 
child, where are you ?" ^ 

[She starts in .search of Ivlitli, who she finds on tln' deck with this 
gentleiuan. Edith starts in glal suiprise, towards nianuna, i-elaining the 
hand of this man, and says: 

[He comes with cotuitenan- e beaming with delight, at the thouuht of 
his .schemes working .so well.] 

"() maninui, see what this idee gentleman has given me" [and tniiis 
to him exclaindng] "( "onie :vnd see my mamma, von will like her, too, I 
know vou will if von like me." 



Mamma sees them, and in an undertone exelaiins : 

"O! what do I see? My child with that man; and see, she is bringing 
him this way. The meeting is inevitable. Oh Heaven help me !" 

[Edith as they approach,] 

"This is my mamma." 

[Gent bowing low,] 

"I have taken possession of your child, madame, for whose company I 
should thank you — for I assure you I have been highly entertained." 

Mamma — "I fear Edith, you have been a burden to this gentleman. 
Let me thank you, sir, for your kindness to my little daughter. Come, my 
dear, let us go and find papa.''_ 

Edith — "O mamma, this gentleman wants me to be his little girl too, 
and I told him I would ask you and papa." (She turns to gent,) "Come 
with us and see what papa says." 

i Mamma, who is excessively annoyed,) 

"Why, Edith, my child, how rude ! Please pardon her sir, and remem- 
ber she is but a child." 

(Gent, very graciously,) 

"I must congratulate you, madame, on her womanly sweetness'; though 
but a child, I have been delighted with her musical talent. Her vocal 
powers are excellent, and she has promised with mamma's consent, to come 
to my office aiKd sing for me; which conseiit I shall also ask you to grant* 
I assure you I shall be perfectly delighted. Perhaps mamma will accom- 
pany you my little girl." [Turning to Edith ,ji moment, then to mamma 
again and with great impressment, at the same time handing her a card 
bearing the name of Mr. C. Beardsley.] "Pray do come with your little 
daughter, madame." 

[Lady's husband sees it all.] 

[Mamma, with great dignity,] 

"Pray excuse me sir, I cannot accept your invitation to call upon you — 
you, sir, are a stranger to me." 

[Gent, with urgency.] 

"Let me assure you, madame, there will be no harm in your compliance 
with ray request. None whatever. I must become acquainted with you, 
for I feel as though I had known you for years, or will you permit me to 
call upon you. I must call and see my little girl occasionally. Please be 
generous and ask me to come." 

[Pleadingly.] ) 

[Husband approaches slowly with jealous eye who hears this man's in* 



» 

vitation and sees the caid.] 

"Ah! ha! I will watch this proceeding and see how it ends. That man 
isavillian. Surely my wife will not give her consent to such a proposal, 
[advances.] "Well my dears you seem to be enjoying yourselves." ^ 
[Edith, all excitement.] 

"Oh, papa! this gentleman says I must be his little girl, and I told him 
if papa and mamma said so I would4-and see, papa, he gave me all this nice 
candy and wants me to come to his office and sing for him, and says mamma 
must come too." 

[Husband, coldly, and witii distant bow to Mr. B.] 

"We will make arrangements about going to iiis office some other time- 
Come, Nellie, let us retire to the cabin. (Mr. B. bids adieu, lifting his hat 
with great dignity, and leaves the group.) [Husband resunies.] "["Before 
joining the crowd let me make one request of you, Nellie, have nothincr 
niore to say to that man. He is a villian, apoiislied scoundrel, and mv wife 
must not be seen talking to iiim." 

^Iamma— "Have no fears, my dear husband, 1 could not avoid meeting 
him, and let me assure you that with all liis fine apparel and polished man- 
ners, I ie-av h'uv [ not only fear him, but 1 thoroughly destest him. ^ He 
seems to take quite a fancy to our child, and asks permissicm to call and see 
her occasionally." 

Hl'BBANi) — "And ilid you gi'ant this re(iuest ?" 
Mamma — "No, my dear, I did not." ^* 

> Husband, very much excited.) 

"My curse upon the vile wretch! His object is base and villainous and 
should he ever cross my threshold, to destroy thepedce and happiness of my 
fire-side, I shall not hesitate to shoot him down as I would a dog. Oh ! what 
is this terrible cloud that seems to hang- above me and my loved ones." 

,(Manuna, with grave and saddened countenance gnd with intensity of 
expression.) ,. 

"Why, husband, I never saw you in such a frenzy before — but I con- 
fess that I, too, i'eel as though there was a heavy pall falling around me 
which seems to envelope me in a cloud of darkness. Oh ! I feel as though 
.some impending danger was very near, that cannot be averted, and as thouo-h 
this stranger was in some way connected with it." 
[Edith looking off towards home.] 

"Oh! see, papa, mamn a, we are sailing into the harbor. Oh! I am so 
glad, for now I shall get home to dear little Effie and Charlie." 

[Husband and wife stand with Edith looking homeward. Doors slide or 
boat disappears.] 



3rd act. 

At home in parlor. Husband reading, wife embroidering. Children 
playing with their dolls, Charlie with Rover. 

[Husband lays asi<ie the paper.] 

"Well! Nellie, can you spare me for a few days? Important business 
summons 'ine out of thek.city;and of such a character that it will be absolute- 
ly necessary to start on the earliest-lrain.'' 

Mamma — "Why, my dear, the children and I must feel willing to sub- 
mit, regardless of our feelings, if duty calls you away, though I confess we 
are very lonely when you are absent from us. Will you breakfast before 
you go ?" ' ■ 

Husband — "1%, Nellie; the hour for starting will be too early to dis- 
turb either yourself or the servants." 

Mamma — "Come children, come and kiss papa good-bye and we will 
retire to the nursery." [Husband remains to look over some business mat- 
ters, accounts, &c.] 

[They do as bidden and are led away.] 

[Husband looks after them, exclaiming:j 

"Oh God! I thank thee for these my earthly treasures. Fain would I 
staj' with them, but business is imperative, I must go." [Rises and leaves 
the room.] 

[Servant Nora appears next morning to dust ;ind arrange parlor.] 

"Well, indade, and I niver did say the loikes of this before. What in 
the woureld could bin the matther wid thim childen, the little darlints, to 
lave the room in sich disordther, wid thim swate dolls layin around wid their 
eyes for all the woureld like the blissed Saints." [Crosses herself.] 

[The bell rings and startles her.] 

"Och! may the blissed Saints save us." [Jumps as though shot and 
crosses herself, then goes (o the door, a gentleman enters and hands her his 
card.] 

Nora — "Indade sur, the masther is not at home, at all, at all — he's gone 
out of the city this mornin sur, and will not be afther comin back this week 
sur. I heard him afther sayin the same lo the misthress, whin I had 
my ear ferninst the kayhole." 

Me. B. — "Will you take the card to your mistress?" 

[Nora takes the card and soon returns.] 

Nora — "Will ye be afther sittin down a bit?" ^ 

Mr. B. — "Did you deliver my card?" 

Nora — "Indade and I did sur, and she savs she is not at home to you 



at all; at all, and I think ye had bether not he afther waitin for her, for by 
the powers she'll niver say yes." 

• [Gent rises and walks the floor impatiently.] 

Mr. B. — "Go tell your mistress I must see her ! ^Nora hesitates.] Go 
I tell yofi! 'Begone!!" 

[Servant starts off muttering — slie returns cross arid surly.]. 

Nora — "Indade ! ye put on a good maiiy airs, ye dirthy, murdtherin 
spalpeen, ye." 

Mr. B. -"Well?" 

Nora — "Well! — Indade and its not well for ye at oil, at all snr, and if 
ye plaze sur, I'll be afther dustin the cheer ye're sittin on sur." 

[Gent rises and goes out' muttering curses and gi'inding his teeth in 
rage.] 

[Nora looks after liiiu and mutters to herself:] 

"By the blessed saints in Heaven, I hevei' did say the loikes of that 
mon, the blathern ould hypocrite." 

[Slide doors close Nora in tiie parlor and']Mr. B. walks down the street 
before the footlights.] 

Mr. B. — "By the powers of Heaven I will see that woinan! How dare 
she refuse to see me? I will move Heaven and Hell comlnned, to see her. 
rihe shall be mine, let come what will — and before another sun sliall set, so 
help me Heaven. I liuve nerved myself to meet and brave any danger, any 
hardships to see this woman. I will have her if it wrecks the happiness of 
her now ))eaceful home, and sacrifices the life of all lior loved ones. Hus. 
band gone, hey? Thanks to that hei-y headed vixen for the information — 
everything favors me to carry out my schemes in regard t(^ n)y sweet lady- 
bird. Better to have seen me at first, for her refusal has onl*' roused the 
demon within me, and an power in existence can check me now, in mv 
course." 

[Before the footlights.] Gent walks down the street twirling his gold- 
headed cane, with fiery determination in his countenance, and as the veiv 
Lord of Creation. 

[Doors slide after the above and reveal the Ladv and Edith in the 
parlor.] 

Edith — "What makes yon so quiet, Mamma? You do not say one 
word to your little Edie — and she loves you so much, and likes to have vou 
talk to her." 

Mamma — "Why, Edie darling, was mamma neglecting her little girl? 
I was lost in thought my dear. I cannot tell why it is that this card, with 
this name disturbs me so. I feel the same strange spell coming over me as 



I look upon it, that I felt when his eyes were fastened upon me the day we 
Avere on the boat. Oh! that terrible snake like facination. Thanks to jxjor 
ignorant Nora, with all her bluntness, she has done nie a service for I hardly 
think he will venture to repeat his call." 

Edith — "1 don't quite understand you nianmia — but there is the door- 
bell. Oh, mamma! may I go to the <loor?" 

Mamma —"That would not be jn-oper, for mamina's liltlc daughter to 
answer the bell." 

Edith — "But mamma, Nora is so very busy; please let me go.'' 

Mamma — "Very well my dear, you may go this time since you wi?h it 
so much." [Edie goes out and returns with Mr. B. who advances, smiliug 
at her surprise, bows low appearine" not to notice her confusion, while in re- 
ality his heart is filled with triumph to find that everything is working so 
favorably for him and his cause.] 

Edith — "Oh! mamma, here is the gentleman that wants me for his 
little girl, and he said he wotild come i-ight in without i^ending in his card 
and why, mamma wdiat makes you lookfSo funny?" 

[Mamma turns to the door with surprise and is very much annoyed at 
the audacity of this man as he exclaims:] 

Mr. B. "Will you not say you are glad to see me? and will you not 
allow me to chat with you a few moments?" 

Mamma "You surprise me sir, but pray be seated." 

[She turns and takes a-seat across the room.] 

[Enter master Cluirlie, exclaiming:] 

Charlie "Oh! Edie dear, w here's you been so long? I'se been 
'ooking for you and toudent find you any pace. Pease do tome twick and 
see how funny Rover looks at that old tat on the fence." 

[Edith goes out with C-harlie.] 

[Now he hopes to have her to himself, when he could exercise his 
powers of facination as much as he choose. He ri.ses and crosses tlie room 
and seats himself by her side.] 

Mr. B. "How glum and lonely you look over here." 

Mamma "Do I? Pardon me, 1 have been so intent upon my own 
thoughts that for a moment I had actually forgotten you were here, and 
surprise has unfitted me to act the part of a generous hostess." 

[Mr. B., smiling graciously:] 

"I confess that I did not like to call again so soon, lest I should frighten 
and repel you, but my great desire to see you has urged, yea, compelled me 
to come without farther delay. I never was so harassed with callers in my 



life, but I am afraid little girl you do not feel well, you do not seem like 
yourself." 

Mamma — ''Indeed sir, I am perfectly well^but who did you haye for 
callers? and where is your residence?" 

[Husband has returned unexpectedly and stands gazing through the 
half open door.] 

Mr. B. — "Professional calls only, and as for home ties I haye none. I 
have neyer ha<l any one to care for and make anything of me. I go and 
come when, and where I ))lease, and let me assure you there could be no 
place that 1 could spend a more pleasant hour than with yourself— further, 
moi'e [attempting to take her hand] you have not been absent frf)m my 
thoughts for a moment, since I met you on the boat." 

Mamma— "I regret my husband's absence from home. C-an you not 
will some future time wheu he will bs here to entertain you?" 

Mr. B. — "I assure you it is just as I would have it. I came not to see 
your husband but your own sweet self. ' 

[Mamma starts violently and looking uj" finds a pair of piercing eyes 
lient upon her.] 

Mamma — "Please remember sir, though you have no ties, that you are 
addressing a married woman and I cannot listen to such protestatious of love 
or admiration from any one." 

Mr. B. — "Oh! sa}^ not so! My love for you consumes my very life, and 
dearest [again clasping her hand] I am determined to make you confess to 
a feeling of pleasure in my .society." 

[Mamma shrinks instinctively from his touch.] 

Mamma — "Pray df) not renmin here longer, 1 deny you henceforth any 
and all opportunity to sink yourself any lower in my estimation. I neither 
desire nor intend to permit any further demonstrations of youi- admiration 
for me. Why how strangely you do talk." 

[Mr. B. stoops ovei- and kisses her forehead which startles her very 
much.] 

Mr. B. —"Ha! hu! how very nervous you are. Must I go, indeed? [He 
rises.] ' There, my ])et, you see two sides to my character, not only a lover 
but a thief also — I sliall call soon again." [Before she has time to reply he 
is gone.] 

[Mamma follows him to the door and stop.*, exclaiming:] 

"Oh merciful Heaven ! what is there about that man while in his pres- 
ence, that seems to hold me, and chain my faculties so tirnily that I cannot 
force him to leave me? Oh my God! help me to do right." 

[Husl)an<l sto])s in opposite door; she hears him and looks in astonish- 



ment at him as he says in undertone:] 

"O my God! what do 1 see? [Turns to his wife who walks to the center 
of the room, very much surprised to see her husband.] You seem very 
much startled. Not looking for me, to-day! Hey? Sorry indeed, to spoil 
yt)ur tete-a-tete — quite an inteiesting tableau, quite interesting, indeed. 
Pray tell me are these rehearsals of frequent occurence. Very well enacted 
upon my word. Has any one else ever spoken to you in like manner, ever 
sued for your love? or tried to win you from your husband?" [Growing 
more enraged all the time.] 

[Turns to her and pleads for their sake.] 

"Oh God! my children? How is this? Do you permit this man to enter 
our once peaceful home and trumple upon the rights of your husband and 
little one? Have I not forbidtlen his entrance into oui Eden of love? Oh! 
answer me, wife, I implore you." [He does not give her time to answer and 
attacks her with great fury.] 

"What? Not one v\ord of exjDlanation? How dare you stand there so 
defiantly, with arms folded and so cooly deny me an explanation? Do you 
not know who is master here? You shall speak, or I will choke the meaning 
of all this out of you — " 

[He titarts like a demon and is ab(»ut to lay hold of her.] 

[Mamma changes not lier position, but stands with arms folded.] 

Mamma — ^"Stand back! Do not dare to lay your hands upon me! 
\N'hcn you learn to treat me with common civility, or I might say as nicely 
and with as much respect as this villian, as you seem disposed to call him, 
then I will be ready to give you an explanation." [She turns and leaves 
the room.} 

[Husband, with clenched fists:] 

"Can it be possible that my wife can defy me, yes me, in this manner? 
Be it so, but let me catch this villian in my house again and I will shoot 
him as I would a dog. So help me God!" f 

[Mamma enters again, not afraid of this demon, and he tells her for a 
blind that he is going out of the city.] 

"I am going out of the city again for a day or two, and trust when I re- 
turn you will be ready to give an explanation of these strange proceedings." 
[He stalks out of the^door with a bang, showing the fury of ten thousand 
demons within him.] : 

[Mamma sits down and rests her head upon her hands for a moment.] 

"Oh! this is terrible! Why can he not listen to reason, and why must 
he fly into such a passion? Does he not consider my feelings in the least ? 



1/ , 

' Several times before liave I ielt his anger lor more trivial offences than this; 
I have endnred it in silence without a murmer, but it is hard to bear. But 
can it be possible tliat with this passionate temper of his, there has lain all 
these years tlie smouldering tire of jealousy; to break ouf like a volcano, 
pouring out upon my ])oor innocent head and heart its l)uniing hiva, till mv 
ver\- brain and soul are consumed within meV My heart seems rent assun- 
der, and may God forgive me, for 1 can never feel towards my lui.-baii<l as 
before lie cast his vile insinuations and threats upon me. [She ri-es and 
rings the bell for Nora.] Oh! how shall I endure this evening?" 

[Nora enters.] 

Mamma — "Nora, you may light the gas, and clo.se the blinds, and if 
any one calls you nuiy admit them, for I feel very lonely to-night.' 

Nora — "Indade and I will, mum." 

[She proceeds to do as bidden — the door l)ell ring^^, s«he admits Mr. B., 
who mamnni is more ready to see since the tyrany of her husband. Mr. B. 
sees she does not resent his conning as on the former occasion.] 
, [Mr. B., grasping both her hands, leads her to sofa and sits 1)eside her. 

She bursts into tears.]. 

MiJ.i). — "Why what is the cause of this sudden outburst of grief V You 
ai'e certainly not offended with me for calling again so soon? I cannot. Oh 
I cannot rest away from you!" 

Mamma — "No! no! you have not offended me, but I iiave been offended 
through you. My husband returned and stood in yonder door looking upon 
us, and heard eveiT word, and all your j)rotestaiions of love — he saw the 
kiss you pressed upon my forehead, and the demon of jealousy was aroused 
within him, and with threatenings most terrible, and taunts the most bittei', 
heaped upon me abuse of the vilest nature, giving me no chance to explain 
to him, which roused my obstinate nature loo much to receive and bear all 
his vile epithets. He even threatens to shoot yoi; if he ever catches you 
here again — He has left the city again for a <lay or two, but you must not 
come here again, your life will bejn jeopardy." \ 

Mr. B.— "Nay, my darling, do not fear for me. I can venture my life 
even, for your dear sake, and you shall not submit to be treated in this way. 
I will protect you, with my life if needs be. [He takes her hands in his and 
kisses it passionately, then presses his lips to hers — he seems to compel her 
to come to him, as the magnet draws the needle to the pole.] And, my dear 
I implore you not to deny nie the pleasure of an occasional interview. 
Come, come my dear, dry up those tears, and be your own sweet self again, 
try to rise above this abuse which comes only from a vindictive and jealous 



nature^ Your Ini.sband is jealous and crue], but', my dear, wliat 'need you 
care? Give me the privilege of protecting you from his taunting insults, he 
is not worthy of you, my precious jewel. Do, I pray thee, grant me this 
privilege, and no matter what may be the result, what may happen to you 
by placing confidence in me, I shall always be with you in the same boX'I". 
You will see that to comply with my wishes will be to your advantage."' 

[Mamma tries to resist his carresses and withdraws her hand.] j 

Mamma— "Oh do not counsel me to be insincere an<! deceitful; I con- 
sider it both dishonorable and contemptable." 

Mr. B. — "Pray do not persist in using words and sentiments so long 
out of style. Every lady has her lover. Will }ou not consent to drive with 
nje to-morrow? The weather is delightful, and this is the most delightful 
season for an airing — come, my dear, wiiat do you say? [Rises and bends 
over and kisses her forehead. A loud report is heard and he falls lifeless 
at her feet.] 

■ [Mamma, horror stricken at this tragedy, shrieks as her husband rushes 
in like a maniac to jumi) upon his victim.] 

Mamma — ".Stand oft! don't lay your murderous hunda upon him again. 
See what you have done! You have killed him in your mad tit of jeah)usy, 
and I, your wife, will see that his remains are cared for with some degree of 
respect.'" 

HrsBAXi* — "You! you my wife! ^ly wife no longei'! Take your dead 
lover to your arms. Think you I repent of this? I only wish this weapon 
1 hold in mv hand, had desvlt a doulde death-blow, and laid you by the si<le 
of your fine paramour." 

Mamma — "For shame! How dare you accuse me so falsly by your 
vile insinuations? Oh see ! thank God! he still lives! ; King the l>ell for 
help. [He heeds her not.] Sir, 1 comnuuid you to ring for help! [He is 
frightened to see her so enraged and rings so violently, the servants rush up 
in great trepidition and gaze in horror upon the ghastly and frightful scene.] 
Close the doois quick! Hasten to me Nora, and assist me, while you, James, 
call a closed carriage to carry this man to his home — a^sk no tpiestions and 
answer none. .James you have always been a faithful servant and I can 
lely upon you. [James retires.] N(»ra, bring in my wraps, and I will ac- 
company this man-."' ' ■ ■■' 

[Norareiires as bid'len.] 

HlshanI) — "Hold! wife, I forbid such procee<lings. Let the scoundrel 
find his wav home as best lie can. The miseral)le dog!" 

[Manuna, defiantly and with emphasis:] 



"Sir, I am mistress of the situation." [Mr. B. has recovered by this 
time sufficiently to be able to speak.] "Spare this woman, I pray thee, of all 
censure. She is innocent and as pure as the angels in Heaven. You and I 
will meet again" — [he turns to the lady] "I thank you for your kindness- 
No'harm' shall fall upon your innocent head. : Please do not accompany me, 
I can go very well with the aid of James, your coacvhman." [The door 
opens an(J James announces the carriage.] ■ He casts a loving glance ujion 
the lady and goes out the door assisted by James — Has remained seated on 
sofa till James came. 

Husband —"Oh the boldness of that wretch!" [Turns to his wife.] 
"What have you to say in vindication of yourself, madame?" 

Mamma — -"What have 1 to say? That you, with your miserable jeal- 
ousy, have brought all this trouble upon yourself, and your murderous act 
to-night is a crisis in our lives. I cannot endure these sudden outbursts of 
temper, and worst of all, this uncalled for fit of jealousy. All my life I 
have borne your cruelty and your insulting taunts in silence, screening you 
and hidingmy poor, aching heart from my precious children and from the 
world, choosing rather to suffer in silence — but this scene casts another light 
upon the drama of our lives, and my patience has ceased to be a virtue?\ 
There is an undercurrent so strong that our lives, which have apparently 
been as one, must henceforth drift apart, and before another sun shall set, 
legal measures shall be taken to seperate us." 

Husband — "Be it as you say! but not one cent of my property shall 
ever be yours, and by the Gods above, this villian shall pay dearly for 
alienating the affections of my wife and destroying my home. *^ I will reduce 
you to poverty, and bring you and yours to the very threshold of the poor- 
house. Ask not for mercy, for the demon is aroused within me, and I will 
wreck out my vengence in double measure upon your guilty heads. Sue for 
a divorce, jou guilty woman, and what will it all avail you. Nothing! Not 
one penny of my property, either in money, houses or lands, shall ever be 
yours, if I can help itTi - - ■ 

[Mamma, with great dignity:] 

'I think you are needlessly exhausting youiself with your very fine 
flow of language, this evening. \ The law will decide that, sir." 

Husband — "Henceforth my fine lady, I shall take up my abode with 
my sister. '' You may remain here with the children for the present, but 
mark my words, this roof will not cover you long; in two weeks from this 
day you will vacate this house, and while you are out taking your airing 
you had better keep an eye open for another roof to shelter you. By the 



way, hov\' do you expect to support yourself? — you, who have n'everdone a 
stroke in your life." 

Mamma — "Why my dear, loving, generous hearted husband, I can sew, 
you know." 

I Husband — "Sew? ha, ha, ha! Yes, you can sew, at starvatipn prices. 
But, pray tell me what kind of sewing you can do, you who never hemmed 
a pocket-handkerchief in your life?'' _, 

^ [Mamma, sternly and with self -independence:] 

' "I can sew at any kind of sewing, if necessity compels, me to, and our 
bread of independence will be sweeter by far, than the luxuries that your 
table can afford. Now, sir, if I am to be mistress here for two weeks longer, 
I think you had better go." 

Husband — "I will go, and ii will be a go, too, but not to your advan- 
tage, you will find wlien too late. The urgency of your manner constrains 
obedience. Good-by, madame." [Goes out.] 

Mamma — "Au re voir, hiibbie, dear." 

Curtain drops. 

sce:ne^4th. 

Before the curtain rises the lawyers meet before the footlights and talk 
over the divorce proceedings, and the result in the following manner: Enter 
one of the lawyers, who walks across the stage in a business like way — 
meets the other one coming — 

First L. — "Hello old boy! how are you this morning — and whither 
bound?" 

[They shake hands.] 

Second L. — "Well! well! you got a little the start of me. I was just 
going down to your office to congratulate you on yoursuccess in that divorce 
suit." 

First L. —"I will return to my office. Come along, there is more law- 
ing to do yet, and I want to consult you a little." 

[They turn and walk away slowly.] 

Second L. — "Hello? what next, pray tell? But, by the way, what won- 
derful success the lady has had, through all her trouble, having never lost a 
single s'uit yet." 

First L. — "Yes, and just as it should be, too. But the greatest sen- 
sation is to come yet — that scoundrel has brought suit against the other 
party for $10,000 damages for alienating the affections of his wife. How 
very affectionate he becomes for a little money, and does he imagine for one 
moment that he can convince the judge, or jury, or the public, that he needs 



llieir sjiupdthy under the circumstances, after treating that woman and her 
children as he has, and you have not the least idea of the assertions he 
brings in this suit, they are not fit for the vilest wretch to read. He was 
not going to leave the woman a chair to sit on, but she gained her alimony, 
which has enraged him so that he is determined to prosecute this suit," 

First L. — "Well! well! it does seem as though there is more of the blood 
hound than man about him, but come, come, my friend, we will hasten 
along to the office and woric up this case from every standpoint, and see 
what . the resultavill be." [They go arm in arm to office.] 

[The curtain rises and reveals a moderately furnished apartment with 
plainly dressed lady sewing. Mr. B. enters hurriedly and approaches her 
with arm in sling, exclainiing:] 

That infamous rascal has sued me for $10,000, for alienating your af- 
fections from him. He is so enraged because you gained the alimony that 
he has brought this suit, but says if you will give him the alimony he will 
withdraw this suit. Now Nellie, you alone can help me to ward off this blow. 
It will be a dreadful thing, not only for me but for yourself also, and I beg 
of you to grant me this recjuest, and you and yours shall never loose an)^ thing 
by it. There is nothing in this world that you shall not have. You shall 
live like a princess, my own darling Nellie; yon shall never know what it is 
to want." 

Mamma — "Why, this is dreadful! How can I know yon will really do 
as you say, if I give U[) this alimony in his favor. Heaven forbid that my 
children should sufEer — Oh! if I only knew what to do." 

Mr. B. —"Can it be possible, my darling, that you doubt my word, or 
my ability and willingness to perform all I have pledged myt:elf to do? Oh 
how can you distrust me, my dear — and those sweet children, who are their 
mother's idols, shall be my greatest care, and Nellie, do you not know what 
a blemish this scandal will be upon the future lives and happiness of those 
little ones, if we permit it to go into court?" 

[Mamma, in great perplexity and fear depicted on her countenance:] 

"Oh my precious children! What would I not do or deprive myself of 
to save you from one tithe of the trouble and suffering your mother has 
passed through? Yes! I will grant your request, but I pray God it may not 
be a rash act on my part, and that as you have promised they may not want 
for anything, I will trust you." 

[Mr. B. advances and takes her hand, smiling.] 

Mr. B,— "Dear Nellie you have made me the most grateful man on 
earth, and you may rely upon me, for all future needs, yourself and those 
dearest to you, shall be cared for. But the court is waiting for this de- 



cision; I must bid you good-bye. [He goes out and Edith enters the op- 
posite door. Mamma is sewing.] 

Edith — "Dear ^[amma, do put away your work and go with nie to the 
park, this is such a lovely day." 

Mamma — "Maninui cannot go to day, dear; this work must be finished, 
and then I do not think our clothes are quite in trim to go out among so 
many finely dressed people. Be patient my child, it will not be long till we 
shall have all we want and can go iind enjoy ourselves like other people.'' 
[Edith kisses her mamma, and pi iciug anas around h^-r neck, says:] 

"Mamma, dear, can 1 not help you sew something? I feel Sn sorry for 
you, and I am sure God ft-el^ very, very sorry for you; :ind Mamma, God 
is so good that he will hear ns, if we pray to Him, and I am going to ask 
Him to love my mamma, and then mamma He will lienr Edith's prayer, and 
will feel very sorry for you, and for my little brother and sisters." [She 
caresses mamma, and as she hears a knock admit?^ Mr. 11 and leaves the 
room.] 

Mr. B. — "Good afternoon, my dear; busy at work J see —come, can 
you not lay aside your work long enough to treat me with common civil- 
ity, when I come to see you?" 

[Mamma keeps on sewing.] 

Mamma — "Busy at work? Yes! busy, busy, from t-aily morning 'till 
the dead hour of night, and necessity admits of no play. ^^'ith no coal, no 
provision in the liouf-e, no money to pay my rent, which is due — how dare I 
think of a moment's recreation?" 

Mk. B. — "Ha! ha! iia! You paint it very dismal, upon my word, Nellie. 
] Ugh! it makes me feel c«»l<l and luingry to lieai- you talk in this way.- Come, 
come, little one, cheer u})! yon ai'e blue to-day." 

[Mamma, in (lesj)air:] 

"Ah! sir, you may laugh, but never can knou the agony of enduring so 
n-uch, 'till you have passed ihrougli the same ordeal yonr^elt. Last night I 
put mv children to bed without a morsel to eat, and my darling little Edith 
pointed to yonder motto on the wall and begged of me to put my trust in 
God— ^tried to impiess the promise that the Lord would provide for us, upon 
my heart. They were not only hungry but cold. This morning I found a 
small piece of bread scarcely the size of my hand, 1 divided an)ong my 
children. I have not tasted food for two days. Is it to be wondereil at 
that I am blue, as you please to call my inability to meet you with a cheer- 
ful countenance? If this continues I do not know what I shall do." 

Mr. B. — "Do as I have frequently told you, put these children away. 
You cannot expect to keep those children with you. When you comply 



with my wishes, and then only, will I help you. I cannot do anything for 
the offspring of that miserable wretch you once called your husband, but 
I am going 'till you are in better humor, and perhaps when I come again 
you will have driven away this fit of blues — cheer up! you are getting quite 
thin and looking badly; 1 want to see you your old self." 

[He kisiies her and goes out.] 

[Mamma looks at him in astrmishment as he so hoartle.-^sly utters these 
words and walks out twirling- his gold-headed cane like a. king in :dl his 
glory.] 

[Mamma rises and walks the floor with clasped hands:] 

"And this is all the recompense 1 get for depriving myself and childicn 
of my last means of support; for believing and trusting in all his pr(.mi^(.s 
of faithfulness and care of myself and little ones, and now I niu>t after all 
part with those precious children for one morsel of bread. Oh! how c;in 1 
send them oi'.t among strangers? (and yet, 'twere better thus than to feel 
that they were dependent upon that man for support.) Where! oh where! 
shall I look for honor, and upon whom am 1 depend? [She here [)laces lier 
hands upon heart with great intensity, of feeling.] Oh! this teirible knaw- 
ing at my vitals, for want of a crust of bread, is nothing compared to this 
knowledge that my confidence has been betrayed. Oh, Edith, my Heaven- 
ly minded child, would I had a faith like thine! that I could go like your 
self to God, and ask him to direct me." ^ 

[Edith comes [u tind mamma tells her the necessity of sending them to 
the Orphan Asylum.] 

P^DFi H — "Why, mamma dear, what have you been crying al)oul? Your 
eyes look so sad and weary.' 

[Mamma puts her handkerchief to her eyes and weeps.] 

Edith — "Please mamma, do not cry, and tell your Edie why you are 
so s-ad." 

Mamm.-^ — "Edie deal', you love mamma veiy much, and you like to 
stay with maiiim;i, but, tny child, if you tliought it would be best for you and 
little brother and sisteis to go to the Orphan's Home for a while, would you 
be willing to go? Mamma saw the lady, who is very kind, and will be good 
to you, and you, my little (hiughter, can look after the children, and mamma 
knows dear, that she can depend on you." 

Edith — "Yes, mamma dear, T will go if you want me to, but if I could 
take you along with us, how much nicer it would seem. When will this 
lady come for us, mamma?'' 

Mamm.\ — '•! am looking for her any hour. Now my dear, to-morrow 
mamma mu*t move to other and cheaper rooms; my rent is due and the 



« landlord is very harsh and unkind." 

EDiTH^"Oh, mam nia dear! God 1 am sure will take care of you." 

Mamma — "Yes, my dear child, God will surely answer thfi prayers of 
my little girl — but hark! I hear a knock, go Kdith, and see who it is." 

[tnter lady. Mrs. Hastings, (he matron of the Orph'an Home.] 

"Goo(l afternoon, my dear, is mamma at home?" 

[Edie invites her into the room where mamma is Se\ying.] 

ilAM]\|A — "Good afternoon, Mis. Hastings, pray be siate<l. This is my 
daughter, Edith, who is to accompany you with the ciuldren." [Turns to 
Edie] "My dear, go prepare the children for their journey and bring them 
in to mamimu" [Edie I'etires.] 

[Mamma to Mrs. Hastings:] 

"Mrs. Hastings, my heart is breakiivg with the thoughts of this separat- 
tion, but I feel that I can place ni\ little ones under your care with a feel- 
ing of security, that they will be kin liy cared''for." Enter the children.] 

[^^amma takes the little ones, each in their turn, by the hand and bids 
them a silent but heartfelt good bye-'-as they go out the door, she turns and 
exclaims aloud;] 

"Oh! my breaking heart! How tan 1 eiiduie this separation?" [While 
she is walking the floor Mr. B. enters' without knocking and seats himself a 
moment without milking his presence known:] "Why, niy dear Nellie, 
what is the cause of all this emotion?" 

MainIlMA — "Oh! do you not know that my poor children are gone? 
To-morrow I move to cheaper aj)uitmenls; where 1 trtist I shall be able to 
support myself at least, which it was impossible for me to do here, and keep 
starvation from our door. To-day I have sent my half-starved children 
away without haviner had one morsel to eat since yesterday; there they will 
meet with kindness and warmth and out of the leach ef the chilling l)lasts 
of this cohl, pitiless world." ,. f 

Mr. B — "So! ho! you have finally come to your senses, have you? If 
that is the case you shall have nothing to trouble you — you shall have silks 
and diamonds, and pleasant apartments and shall never sufferany more the 
pangs of hunger and cold. So cheer up, Nellie dear, for my sake." 

Mamma — "Oh, what are silks and diamonds to me, comi^pred to the 
society of my dear little ones. Nothing but to save them from cold and 
hunger could have induced me to part with them. Promises are not of 
much account now-a-days, I have found out in an incredibly short space of 
time.' 

[Door opens, and Edith who has forgotten something, enters.] 

Edie — "0 mamma I have forgotten my bible, and I could not go with- 



out that." [Rushes up to inaHima and chisp.s her anus around her neck, •» 
and then goes withoijt uttering a word into the adjoining room for iier hilde 
— returns immediately and pauses and h)oks at Mr. B. inlently, and wiili « 
strange light in her eye; then, with clear and impressive voice adilresses 
him, as she advances and looks pleadingly up in his face:] * 

"1 want to say something to you before I g(»." [Slie takes 'both his. 
hands in hers and asks him:] "Will you promise me something before I 
go, and promise me truly?- because I am going with my dear litvle brothers 
and sisters to the Orphan's Home, and I may never see you again." 

Mr. B. — "Why, yes Edie, I will 2>romiso my little Edie anything. 
What is it, dear, you would have nie do?" 

Edie — '"You like my mamma, and m.imnia likes you, and you will 
never let my manuna suffer any more, will you?'' [She takes his hand and 
places it in mamma's hand, and asks him to promi>e to be good to her and 
care for her.] "Now you must promise to be good to mamma." 

Mil. B. — "Ye.-', Edie, 1 will be gopd to mamma and to Edie too." 

Edik — "Then kneel here with me, and promise before God, that you 
will never let mamma sulfer,"' 

[Mr. B. is very i-eluctanl to kneel hi so humble an altiuide, and she 
begged him to do so.] 

"Please kneel here an<i promise God, and then you will keep vour 
promise, for I do not think I shall- ever see you again in this world." 

[He kneels.] 

"Now promise. Say it — 1 will be good lo mamjna, and never let her 
want for anything again." 

[Mr. B. repeats after her the above pledge, .and she places her hand 
upon his head, with eyes uprjiised to Heaven, exclaims: "Thank God! O if 
I could only see us all together again, 1 would be so happy, but I cannot 
stay with you mamma; -hut now I am happier, because you are going to be 
good to mamma, and she will not have to go to bed cold and hungry any 
more — you know we were not always so poor, and mamma cries every night. 
She has given up and lost everything for you, and sometimes we have had 
to go to bed cold and hungry. We have had nothing to erd since yester- 
day, but I grayed to God not to let us feel hungry and God is so good, you 
know, to the poor. God will takacare of you, mamma — I must go now, so 
good-bye. Good-bye, mamma dear." [She clasps her child to her heart.] 

MiVMMA —"Oh! merciful God, protect my little daughter, and grant her 
wisdom and strength to watch over and guide her little brother and sister." 
[She goes out, and >[r. B. sinks upon the sofa, and raises his handkerchief 
to his eyes for a moment. Mamma seats herself at the stand and rests her 



head in her hands; he rises antl goes over to her and lays his liand upon her 
head. "Cheer up, Nellie dear, you have every reason. to regret this separa- 
tion. I never knew before wliat a treasure your little Edie was, and I never 
in all my life had anything affect ine so before, and what could have ever 
influehced that child but a higher power? It has made a lasting impression 
upon me. Cheer up, dear! cheer lip, 1 have finer apartments for you, and 1 
will keep my proinise faithfully. So good-bye for the present^' 
[Curtain drops.] 

SCENE 5th. 



Lady is sitting in an elegantly furnished })arlor and is dressed in silks 
and diamonds, with no traces of i)overty and want as in the past. 

[Mk. B. enters:] 

"Well Nellie, my dear, how are you this' evening?- You are looking 
quite happ}'^ and how much nicer this is than to live in those small tipart- 
ments. You may thank me, Nellie, my pet, for this delightful change in 
your circumstances. Do you feel now, Nellie dear, that you would have 
been happier with your family around you than with me?" 

[Laay, with saddened expression:] 

"You have been"* very kind, and generous by -plating me in these apart- 
ments and I. gratefully appreciate all you have done, but if you insist on an 
answer, I must confess I was happier two years ago than I am now." 

Mr. B. — "How very foolish for you to think and f(el as you do, when 
you know, my dear, there is nothing I would not do for ^'ou. You know 
too, how true I am to you, that you are not sharing my love heart's purest 
affections with any other woman. You have my undivided affection." 

Mamma — "You know, do you not, how implicitely I have trusted you? 
which I could not have done had I not have loved you, and I believe now 
that you have given me all your heart, and of late all your attention, and 
you cannot censure me for requiring all the attention you would bestow 
upon a wifey since you have no ties to bind j'ou." 

[A knock is heard and he rises bfushing, as a lady whom he recognizes 
enters the door. He seems confused and bowing low takes his leave with- 
out much ceremony,] 

Mrs. Hastings — "How do you do, my dear? It has been a long, long 
time since I had the pleasure of seeing you. But what was that man doing 
here? and are you acquainted with his wife?' 

Mamma — "His wife! his wife!! Why, what is this you are saying? Do 
you know this man? Why, what do I hear? My brain is in a whirl. Surely 
vou are mistaken in your recognition of this man." 



Mrs. H. — "Oh! no! I am not mistaken in the least, and I will convince 
you of the fact of his being a married man with a fainil\', nnd nut only that, 
but you, my poor deluded woman, are not the only one who is sharing his 
purse, and who has lavished upon her more in one month than you have 
.,,ali had, all the time you have been under his inHuence. For my dear girl, 
you are held by some irresistable influence,-a facination. You never could 
of your own free vv'ill permit your.-.elf to be bound down to such abject 
slavery. ■ 

[Mamma looks at Mrs. H. in consternation.] 

Ma.mma— "Mrs. Hastings, 1 believe you to be a true friend to me, and 
if such is the fact, from this day henceforth, I shall be a different woman. 
Hard, bitter, relentless, desperate! In the room of love shall reign haie, and 
'1 shall dedicate ray future to revenge." 

Mrs. H. — "My dear child, will you ask him the next time lie comes 
here if he is not a married man? Also ask him it' he does not know me, and 
if I am i*ot in the habit of visiting his wife?" 

Mamma — "Most assuredly, Mrs. Hastings, 1 shall do as you wish, and 
if you 'know the other party you speak of who receives his attentions, I Ijeg 
of you to help me track and confront him right in her presence. Will you 
do this for me?' 

Mrs. H. — "Yes, my })o()r wonian, I will dare or do anything for your 
sake. You are imposed upon, 1 feel it! I tvuow'it. \V'e will dress in disguise 
and follow this fine gentleman some of these days, when he thinks himself 
perfectly secure. Uut 1 cannot lemain wiih you longer; 1 knew your 
anxiety about your little ones and dropped in to tell you they weie happy, 
though lOd ith is not very well —but you need givi- yourself no uneasiness 
about her, as~4 thiidc it is only a slight cold, and she will soon recover." 

[Very kindly and with great s} ujpathy in voice.] 

^[AMM.v — "1 received a tilegra.n this morning from my ni(jther to come 
immediately to her sick, and perhaps dying bed, but if my clnld is sick I 
must go to her." ,. 

Mks. H, — "Oh, no! your child shall have the best of caro, and you can 
go with salety. 1 must bid you good-bve," 

[She rises, prepairing to leave, when a knock is heard. Mamnni opens 
the door and Mr. 13's. wife enters, fliiough seems exciteo. and does not see 
Mrs. Hastings, who takes her leave.] 

"Wife — "How do you do, madanie? Are you Mrs. Adams?" 

Mamma — "Yt-s, I am; pray be seated. C'an I do anything for you?" 

[Wife seats herself.] 

"I came here, madame, to ask you if a relative of mine calls here." 



[Mamma, with eyes dilated with surprise at the absurd inquiry.] 

"I confess, madame, I am greatly puzzled to know how to ansAver you. 
I do not know who you ai-e, consequently I do not know who your relatives 
are." 

Wife — "To make my business plain, I refer to my husband. 1 am in- 
formed that my husband visits you, and all his proceedings are made known 
to me." 

[Mamma, with great dignity:] 

"Wlio is your husband, madame?- What is his name, pray tell? I am 
not monopolizing the time or society of any woman's husband, to my knowl- 
edge." 

WiFK — "What is my husbund's name, do you ask? ^V by, what should 
it be but iMr. C. Beardsley. I have come prepared for you madame, and 
now it shall l)e your life or mine. He never would have been the guilty 
wretch that he is, were it not for your artfulness, and had you not by your 
winning ways enticed him away." « 

[Raises and points a (his) revolver at mamma.] 

[Mamma, very tragically:] 

"Hold! woman, do you think I am afraid of your threats? Not from a 
woman would I cower and tremble beneath such threats as tliat, were you 
ten thousand times his wife. . 1 command you to drop that weapon, this in- 
stant. Drop it I say, and listen to mq!'.' 

[Wife drops the revolver in abject terror of the lady who dares her so 
defiantly.] 

Mamm.^^ — "Do you take me, a woman like j^ourself, for a hardebed, un- 
svmpathizing creature, that you come into my presence in this manner, to 
threaten me with my life? Have you no pity in your heart? If your hus- 
band has forsaken you for my society, may kind Heaven pity you. Listen 
to me for one moment and \k- convinced that I uui not the base woman you 
think me. If, as you say, you are Mrs. Beardsley, 1 will answer you truth- 
fully — your husband does, indeed, visit me, but I swear before high Heaven 
I did not know him to be a married man 'lill to-day. I am expecting l)in*i 
here very soon, and if you will ste]) behind yonder screen, you shall be con- 
vinced for yourself that this sin lies not at my door alone." 

[Wife looks at this woiiian with wo<^lering, steadfast gaze, and slowly 
says in an undertone: 

"Can it be true ihat this woman is willing I ^hould confront my hus- 
band face to face, in her presence. That at least looks honorable in her and 
is not what I should have looked for, but I will act upon her suggestion." 

[The door bell ring- and she has barely time to step behind the drap- 



eiy, when her husband is ushered in.] 

Mr. B. — "He}' dey! Nellie my pet, how are you today? This has been 
a terrible long morning, and 1 thought I should never find time to come to 
you — but, my dear, you look sad and worried about something. What is it 
that troubles my little girl?'' 

Mamma — "I received a telegram this morning, stating that my mother 
is lying very ill, perhaps dying, and requestiug my presence immediately; 
also, Mrs. Hastings called hei*e and says my little Edith is quite unwell, 
which worries me very much; but she tells me to^go to my mother's dying 
bed, that she will do all that a mother could do for my child." 

Me. B. — "At what time will you start, Nellie dear? 

Mamma —"At 7 o'clocR this evening." 

Mr. B. — "Here, Nellie dear, is a roll of bills for spending money —take 
them, and I will go and buy your ticket." 

MaMiUa — "No! I do not want those bills, and I never can accept 
another favor from you financiall'. ." 

Mil. .B.—" Why, Nellie, what do you mean?" 

^[amma — "I n)ean, sir, just what I say, but I wish to ask you if you arc; 
acquainted with Mrs. Hastings, the lady wlioni you saw here yesterday? and 
do you ontinue to visit that woman on iSherift" street, the woman whose 
husband ;ind brother f()rbade you the house? Ali, sir! 1 am acquainted with 
th3 circumstances, though you tbld me' tlje/ were your brother and son." 

Mr. B. — "\Vhy, Nellie, how very absurd you do talk! No, dear, I have 
no other woman but yourself, and have not had for years." 

MamdJia — "How are you going to convince me of your truthfulness? 
How do I know that your statements are not false?" 

Mr. B. — "My dear Nellie, I would do anything that lies in my [jower 
to convince you." 

Mamma — "Will you get down on your knees and swear before high 

Heaven that your statements are true?" 

- . *i' . 

[He bends before her and with hands upraised to Heaven, exclaimed :] 

"Anything my dear to convince you. Yes, my pet, I swear. I hope 
the curses of Heaven may fall upon my head, if I have seen this woman or 
any other but you; furthermore, I ask God to utterly paralyze me if I am 
swearing to an untruth. I do not want to see any one else but my little 
Nellie, and there is no power on earth that can keep nie from you. Is that 
all my darling would ask of me?" 

Mamma— "No! Are you a married man?" 
^ [He hesitates, and mamma urges him to speak.] 

"I insist upon your speaking the tr\ith, no matter how dark it may be." 



Mr. B. — "Well, yes then, if I must speak the truth. Yes! I am mar- 
ried, but she is no wife to mo. She is nothing more to me than my old 
house-keeper. That is one latal mistake of my life time, marrying a woman 
I do not love. I confess, darling' Nell, I should have told you before this. 
Had my home-ties have been congenial, I never would have been the vile 
wretch you are forcing me to confess Tri}splf to be, and } ou are the first and 
only woman that could ev«r force me to humbie myself on my bended 
knees before. 1 must leave you now, but Nell, you have humbled me." 

Mamma — "Wait just a moment, I have .-romething to show you." 

[She steps aside, and lifts the drapery, revealing to his astonished gaze 
his wife, mamma exclaiming as she did so:] 

"Ah! ha! sir, the tableau is not quite finished." 

[Wife steps forward, with enraged countenance.] 

"Your old house-keeper, indeed! This is the way you have been de- 
ceiving me, is it? You have been lying to me, sir, and 1 have caught you 
at last." 

Mr. B. — "You go to the infernal regions, d— n you." [He turns to 
mamma] "You traitress! you hide this woman here to betray me? d — n you 
and her too. ' 

[Turns to his wife and says:] 

"Here, woman, come along with me, these are not fit apartments for 
you." [As they go out:] "Would to God, wife, you had never come to 
this house." [Placing his arm around her as they go out, she looks up to 
him and asks:] 

"Tell me, husband, that you do love me more than that woman, and 
promise me that you will not go to see her again." 

Mr. B. — "How can you think for a moment I could ever darkcn^ her 
door again after using such language to her as I did, and my darling, my 
precious angel wife, is it true that I am necessary to your happiness? Is it 
indeed true that you can freely, fully forgive my sinful past and be again 
my loving wife, as in the olden xime." ^ ' 

Wife — "I have never ceased to love you, husband, | during all these 
days of anxiety. Now let us burry these sad and painful memortes, and 
from now henceforth forget, forgive, and trust each other, as I am confident 
we may —and my clear husband >there is nothing but truthfulness beams 
forth from those loving eyes of yours." 

[Mr. B. calls at mamma's house again as soon as he gets rid of wife.] 

Mr. B. — "Well, Nellie, my darling, I have got rid of that old hen, at 
last; but why did you do such a thing as that?" 

Mamma — "Coward, miserable coward! 1 know the truth at last, I know 



no.wJLh£-deceplion you have used, and uliat do all your oaths amount to? 
How many times have you sworn upon your honor, that you had no ties to 
bind you, and here comes your wife to my house to heap abuse upon me, 
and even attempt to take my life. You ixsk why I concealed her? To let 
her know, sir, that although I must take the blame, I am not quite the vile 
wretch she thinks me." 

Mr. B. — "Well, Nellie, she is my wife, but I had to act the way I did 
in order to get rid of her. You, my little pet, have reigned in my heart su- 
preme, as a white winged angel over all my hopes, my aspirations, my love 
and my reverence, and as Heaven hears me, I swear I love you better than 
life; better than anything in this world. You surely cannot doubt my sin- 
cerity. Come, couie! Nellie, forget the transactions' of this evening. You, 
my dear, cannot awe or discourage me, for I have never yet found the heart 
that could successfully defy my worship, and even after all this scene, you 
cannot remain indifferent. Forgive! Oh do forgive me, my darling Nellie, 
and you shall never find me capable of committing such a dishonorable act 
again." 

MammA; — "I heard before your wife came in that you were married, 
through Mrs. Hastings; also, of your unfaithfulness to me, and she had 
hardly left, the house until your wife was announced. She came with a re- 
volver (your revolver) upraised to put an end to my existence. You knew, 
no doubt, where your revolver was, and perhaps with what intent she re- 
taineil it in her possession. Do you asK why I secreted your wife? Do you 
think there is any need to ask why?" 
, [Mamma turns with clasped hands:] 

"Oh! can it be possible there is so much deceit among mankind? Oh 
God! shield me from the deceivers power?" 

[She turns to him;] 

"I have been deceived, basely deceived .sir, but Oh! I pray you never 
wound another heart as you have mine." 

[He advances and clasps her in his arms, and lays her head ujion his 
breast and pleads for forgiveness, swearing ever to be true to her henceforth.] 

Mamma — "Oh! how many times have you sworn and have I trusted, yet 
in vain, still my heart pleads with me for love's sake to foi'give — though it 
belOtimesT — you cannot doubt my affection for you; you gained my 
heart's best and pui-est affections for you, though I knew not 'till to-day I 
was loving another woman's husband. I cannot forget you or lay aside 
that love, aa I would cast off an old garment. Forgive you? Yes, I must 
forgive, but go to your wife. My life is ruined, my happiness is wrecked 
and friends I have none. I have deprived myself of every pleasure, of 



society, of everything in the world that brings joy and happiness for your 
sake. You were my life, ray joy, ray Heaven on earth, ray all and in all — 
I give up everything now and sit nie dowji to dwell upon my wrongs, and 
eke out my miserable existence in wretchedness and woe." J 

Mr. B. — "Oh! Nellie, my precious darling, do not, I pray, say such 
dreadful things to me. 1 know you k)ve me, but not more than I do you. 
But oh, spare me Nellie! Do not drive me from you, for should you do this 
1 shall surely put an end to my wretched life, for wretched it will be, indeed, 
without the society of my darling Nellie, alid mark my words, you do not 
know what a desperate man you have been dealing with. Weigh well every 
word I have uttered to you this day; I am going now, will see you soon 
again, so good-bye." 

[Mamma, wringing her hands and walking the floor:] 

"Forget him? Oh! I cannot forget, I must forgive and trust him again. 
My love for that man is too strong to permit me to do otherwise." 

[She seats herself in a chair and leaning her head ba,ck closes her eyes 
for a moment, when she suddenly starts and in an attidude of wonder, she 
stands spell-bound, and listening while a faint yet distinct sound [singing 
behind the scenes now commences] comes to her — as of heavenly music — 
singing "Mamma dear, I will Guide thee," and then she starts more violently 
and drawing her hands across her eyes, as if to wipe away a mist from before 
her eyes, exclaiming:] 

"What can it be? There seems to be a mist before my vision, and — I 
see the form of [looiis a moment] an angel — with — a face so pure — so — Oh 
God! it is the face of my darling, little Edith — and — what is this I now 
hear — [singing again behind the scenes]^lt is "Safe in the arms of Jesus" 
—Oh my God! what is the meaning of this vision?" 

[Servant here enters and hands her a telegram; she reads and with 
hasty steps rushes out of the room exclaiming: ''Edith ray child! Oh my 
child!" [Curtain drops.] 

A 

SCENE 6th. -' ' 

Hospital— Edith sitting on the stairs holding her aching head, when her 
little brother Charlie comes into the hall-way looking for her. 

Charlie — "Oh Edie dear, where has you been, all is long time? Ise 
been ooking for you, all over the house, and I wanted oo so very bad. [Very 
sorrowful:] Does oo headache, sister dear? Tarlie is so sorry fov oo." 

Edith — "Yes Cliarlie, my dear little brother, Edie is not well, her head- 
aches badly, and she feels feverish, and I guess Edie has dyphtheria; the 
-Dr. says so, and 'my dear I want you to come htsre and sit beside me, and- 



listen to all I have to say to \ ou, for Mrs. Hastings is going to taKe me up 
to the hospital, and 1 may never see you again, and Charlie I want you to 
tell mamma every word I say. Tell mamma, Edith has been a good girl 
and read her bible and said her prayers every day, and tell her Ivlie took 
good care of Charlie, just as I promised mamma I would; tell her how much 
Edie loves her and how she wishes she could see- her to-night. (My mam- 
ma! Oh my precious mamma.) Now Charlie, do you think you can remem- 
ber all Edie has said to y6u, and tell it to mamma?" 

Charlie— "Yes l^die, I tan 'member every word." 

Edith— "Now Charlie dear,'l want you to get down on your knees and 
say your prayers [he knfeels] just as you used to kneel by mamma's knee. 
Now Charlie, Edie wants to tell you something. You must always ask God" 
if you want anything, and if you do God will hear and answer your prayers. 
Always be a good boy, Churlie, and God will love you and take care of you. 
Now say your prayer little pet." 

[An actual occurence.] 

[He clasps his little hnnds and asks God:] 

"Oh! Doa, make Tarlie a dood boy, and bless mamma and Edie, and 
help Tarlie to 'member what sister Kdie says. Amen." 

l'>DiTH—"*NoAV Charlie you will have to go (iown stairs lor Edie is very 
sick, and she feels as though she was not going to get well, but, my sweet 
little pet, Edie is a good girl and if she dies ^he will go to Heaven and will 
be :in angel, and if you aie good you will come to Edie sometime— Edie will 
always l>e with } ou and mamma, and watch over you. Now kiss Edie and 
run away." [They kiss good-night.] [Enter Mrs. Hastings, the matron.] 
"Here conies Mrs. Hastings to put me to bed." 

[Sliding doors opens in this room, -forming an alcove, disclosing a bed 
where Mrs. Hastings leads and proceeils to place Edith.] 

Mrs. Hastings — "Come, Edith my child, this must not be, you are sit- 
ting up and talking beyond your strength and the Dr's orders must be obey- 
ed. Come dear, and I will help you to bed, and a good night's rest will do 
"^ou good." 

Edith — "Dear Mrs. Hastings, you are so good to me and I love you so 
much —God wd! be very good to you. [She sighs as she lies down.] Oh! 
how I want to see my mamma." 

[Mrs. H. goes to the table, prepares some medicine for her and arranges 
her wearing apparel, smooths the bed clothes and brings Edith her bible at 
her request. [Edith turns to Mrs. H.:] "Please tell me what time it is. 
Uo you think my mamma will be here before 4 o'clock?" 

Mrs. H. — "It is nearly morning, my dear, why do you ask?" 



Edie — "I hope ray mamma will come before 4 o'clock." 

Mrs. H. — "There, there my dear, close your eyes and try to sleep." [She 
closes her eyes a moment only.] 

Edie — "What time is it now?" 

Mrs. H. — "It is 4 o'clock, my dear." 

Edie — "Will you ring for one of the servants and have them bring lit- 
tle Charlie to me? I want him to come and sing with Edie." 

Mrs. H.— "Why Edie dear, what strange whim is this?" 

Edie — "Please, Mrs. Hastings, bring my dear, little brother.' 

[The child is brought in with night-dress and bare feet.] 

Edie — "My dear, little brother, Edie is going to go to God, and he will 
let her be an angel up in Heaveu, to watch over you and mamma, and if 
you ai-e a good boy, when you die God will let you coi^e to Edie. Now my 
pet, Edie cannot stay any longer with you, and she uaivts you to sing with 
her "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." 

[They raise their voices together, and afier singing, she kisses him and 
says:] "Charlie, remember Edie's dying words." 

[They cover her face and lead the child out. The room is vacant and 
presently Charlie comes to an opposite door and pushes it open gently and 
comes in on tip-toe — looks in awe all around, saying as he does so:] 

"I'se dot nothing to live for, now Edies done, and Fse doing to ask Dod 
to send me my mamma — Edie said Dod would hear ittle boys praj'ers." 

[He looks around and very cautiously ci'eeps up into a large, arm chair 
and clasj)s his little hands. Mrs. Hastings enters and gazes in wrapt atten- 
tion as he prays:] "OlrDod! send me my mamma, please send my mamma." 

A[rs. H. — "Why Charlie, my dear child, what are you doing here?" 

CharjJE — "I'se asking JJod to send me my mamma, and I know my 
mamnux will com,e, for he always answers ittle boys' payers." 

Mrs. H. — "Yes, my dear little boy. God does hear and answer little 
boys' prayers, and no doubt he has heard you, and answered you too, for 
here is your mamma now, [adding in undertone:] "Oh! God give her strength 
to bear her burden of sorrow. She knows not what awaits her." 

[Mamma enters and Chivrlie rushes up to her and cl(\^ps his arms 
around her neck and says:] 

"I Knew you was toming, mamma." 

Mamma —"Why, my child, how did you know I was coming?" 

(Jharlie — "Tos I wanted my mamma, and I asked Dod to send me my 
mamma, and he always answers ittle boys' prayers — Edie told me so," 

Mamma — "There my child, run away now, I must go and speak to 
Edith, [turns to Mrs. H.:] "How is my little daughter this morning?" 



Mks. H. — "Be calm! my dear woman, Edith is past all her earthly woes; 
she is gone! She passed away at 4 o'clock this morning, singing: "Safe in 
the Arms of Jesus." 

[Mamma stands like one paralyzed— like a piece of statuary, with a va- 
cant stare. All at once the truth penetrates her heart — she reels and lalls 
to the floor in a death-like swoon. Restoratives are applied, and every ef- 
fort is brought forth to restore her to consciousness. She revives, exclaim- 
ing:] 

"Edith, my child! my precious child! Oh take me to my child! [She 
i"ises with the assistance of her attendants and staggers to and sinks down on 
her knees at the bedside of her dead daughter, and there makes a vow to 
God over her body, and asks for strength and wisdom to guide her aright.] 

Mamma —"Oh Edith, my angel child! Last night thy spirit face came 
to me, as in a cloud^ taking the form ai an angel and heavenly music was 
wafted to my ears in sweetest strains. Singing as never angels sang before, 
"Dearest Mamma, I will Guide thee,"' and this was the^token given me to 
warn me of approaching death to one so dear to me. O God! thou hast 
taken this, my earthly treasure from me, and must it be the sacrifice of this* 
my innocent's life, to lift the shadow from my blighted heart and home— to 
save me! To guide me! Oh! why CDuId I not have seen my wav clearer? 
I am like one groping in the dark- — I am utterly powerless. O dear God! 
help me to find and walk in the right way. Here upon my bended knees I 
make my vow to thee, to relinquish ^from i;iy heart and my thoughts,^ this 
living curse; this destroyer of my home and happiness; and give me strength 
and wisdom, and grant me the guardian spirit of this, my angel child, t(i 
ever be around and about me — that I may ever feel her presence as a shield 
in the lonely hours of darkness. Let me keep the image of my little 
daughter ever before me, as I saw its look of compassion and yearning love 
bent upon me, in the vision of last night. Oh! it is this memory alone that 
will enable me to keep my vow to the bitter end, and grant Heavenly Fath- 
er to restore to me my remaining little ones and cast u[)on us the sunshine 
of thy presence." 

[She 'Inirys her face in ihe bed-clothes in silence and the curtain drops 
— and raises upon 

SCENE 7th. 



[At hinne — mamma enters her parlor dressed in deep mourning — seats 
herself languidly in a chair and leans her head upon her hands, denoting 
by every look and movement dee[) distress and sorrow. Servant enters with 
a card bearing name of Mr. Beardsley. She looks at it and requests Nora 



to show the gentleman in. She does not look up or rise to greet him and he 
frowns in anger.] 

Mr. B. — "Well Nellie, what are you pouting about now? What does 
this mean, you are dressed in deep niournfng? Why is this?" 

Mamma — "Yes! while I was entertaining you here in this room last 
night, Ediih uiy darling, was taken away! — Yes, she died among strangers 
with no mother's loving hand so smooth her dyinir pillow, and why did you 
not come in answer to my tlispatch? You received it and yet you came not, 
and now you ask me why I am in mournhig." 

[She looks him in the, face 'till he hangs his head in confusion and is 
compelle*! to own up, in a blundering way, in the following manner:] 

Mr. B. — "Well, yes, 1 did'^receiye the dispatch, but my dear, I was so 
pressed with business I could' attend to nothing else. I presume everything 
passed off all right and was attended to properly as though I were ther«." 

.MA]V^MA — "Attended to properly! And this is the respect you show to 
my little Kdith's me||iory, after all your protestations of love for her. Fie 
upon such love as thai!" I requested you, as 1 had a right to, to send me 
means to bury my child, but you utterly ignoi'ed my request. I had not 
the lueans to hire a carriage and l)ecause you refused me help, was obliged 
to biiiy her is. the pottersiield — but she shall \ et have an elegant I'esting 
place, if these bauds ol in.ine are spui'ed to earn it, no matter how manual 
llu' labor musi be to accomplish it. Talk not to me of love for her memory." 

^ii. l^. — 'Well, if I have not so very much love for her as you seem 
pleaded to thiilk, I have for inaiiiina; but you ndstake me, darling." 

Majmma — "Ah! do I mistake you? Sir, I can see your heart more 
plainly, through tht' dead face of my little Edie, than I ever could before. 
It st-ems to stand out before me like an open book —you are reaay to pet 
and caress one moment, and the next to denounce and curse me, with the 
fury of ten thousand demons." . » 

Mr. B.— "Oh Nellie! how ca you denounce me so? I really do not 
deserve it, and you know you are the life of my soul, and I cannot live with- 
out you. Yon, and you alone, ar^ all I have in this world, to make life a 
pleasure to me. Darling 1 am gong to leave you now, for business — very 
urgent business, indeed — that cannot be postponed, must deprive me of a 
more lengthy interview, but my dear, I will see you again this evening." 

[Mrs. Hastings is announced— Mr. B. looks confused as she speaks to 
him and asks about his wife. He hurriedly bids adieu and goes.] 

Mamma — "Good afternoon, Mrs. Hastings — this is an unexpecte'd. 
pleasure to me^in all my trouble.' 

Mrs. H. — "I hastened to you as soon as I could conveniently do so. 



You art' aware, my dear, how many cares I have- -but do you still allow 
that man to continue his visits here, after I have warned you of his insin- 
cerity to you? I can convince yqu of his deceitfulness, and if you will go 
with me this night I will take you into his presence, but not his presence 
alone. He is now enjoying himself in another Avoman's society juat as he is 
ia the habit of doing every evening at this hour. He goes every day from 
you into her presence. I beg of you, my dear, to put an end to this trust- 
ing, trusting, trusting, and denounpe and ■ deny him your house at onceA 
Come dear, and let us disguise ourselves,- and see what our little adventure 
will bring to light. Listen! an idea suggests itself: you can speak German, 
and you shall disguise as a German woman Jiud I will dress as a gypsy." 

Mamma — "But who will purchnse the di«guisds?" 

Mr.s. Hastings — "I have come prepared to go with you. See here 
what I have in my basket. My dear woman I heard your earnest pleadings 
with God, over ihe dead body of your child, and I eame^to help you out of 
the toils of this polished villian." {Hf'-*^ 

[Mamma turns and puts her arms around her friend, and kissing her 
exclaims with eyes upraised:] 

"P God, I thank thee for one true friend." 

Mrs. H. — "Come now, we are ready." ['Hiey go out the door and the 
slide doors are drawn, leaving a space before "the 'footlights. Mr. B. ancW 
strange lady appear, walking along very slowly, and he is bending v(^^ low 
and lovingly over her with many protestations of love. He is heard to say 
to her:] 

"No! no! indeed, my darlirtg, how can vou accuse me of visiting her, 
• when you know I love you so dearly, and how could I find the time to visit 
you both. You know, my dear, I am with you every day of my life. Please 
do put away these idle fancies." 

[Mrs. Hastings and mamma follow, unseen by them, and overhear their 
conversation.] 

^[R. B. — "1 am yours, devotedly yours, and yours alone: believe me, 
dearest. Oh! how delightful your society is. To-morrow evening we will 
take our moonlight ride." 

[Mamma hears the proposition, and with loud and taunting laugh:] 

"Ha! ha! ha! How very delightful it will be, with his lying mouth all 
fresh with dewy sweetness, extracted from other lips than thine." 

[Mr. B. starts violently, and looks around, exclaiming:] 

"O my God! I know that voice." 

Strange Lady — "What is it, dear, that startled you so? You are 
trembling." 



Mr. B. — "O nothing, n.ithine: at all. The night air has chilled me tu 
my very heart. Come, let us go to your home, and to-morrow you shall see 
me again without fail." 

[Mrs. Hastings turns to lady:] 

"Are you convinced?" 

Ma.mma— "lam. I have now seen, with my own eyes, that another 
.woman receives the caresses that once made Heaven in my heart. They 
have left us, and we will return home." 

• [They walk out of sight and the doors slide back, showing the parlor 
again. They enter in their disguises from the street an(rdisrol)e.] 

Mamma — "() Mrs. Hastings, my dear friend, how much I thank you for 
the interest you have nmnifes^d in my behalf. You are my only .sympa- 
thizing friena in my bereavement. ' The only earthly friend to whom I can 
turn for sympathy and help." 

Mrs.1I. — "God alone knows' the heartfelt sympathy I feel for you and 
n)y confidence in yoift' desire to do right. I will await the arrival of thi« 
fine gentleman in the adjoining room,- and with you meet him face to face." 

[A ring is heard at the door bell, and they hasten to remove all traces 
of their adventure — Mrs. H. barely makes her escape.] 

[Mr. B. is' ushered in.] 
4 Mr. Bo — "Was my little K ell -growing impatient wiili waiting? 1 was! 
MoreJJian impatient, I was really becoming desperate with being detained 
from you so long. When I left you I found my business even more "press- 
ing than I had anticipated, and every moment seemed an hour. Come, sit 
beside me and let me hold your liand upon n^y brov. — it will chase away all 
cai'e 'and- iHixiety from my brain and heart, and soothe me into forgetfulness , 
of all my earthly woes, iwhich no other hand or presence caii do." 

CMa^mma — "Well! well! it seemed to me, when you were gone, as though 
I should like to be a sculptress, and chisel a statute of purity, au(\ give it 
your countenance." 

Mr. B. — "Ho^" you do love me, don't you Nell? 

Mamma — "Are 'you so very, very tired with your evening's work, that 
you really think you need soothing into forgetfuluess? Pfay exchse me a 
moment before I exert my mesmeric powers upon you." 

[She leaves the room.] Q ^ ,- 

Mr. B.— "What means all the fire that I see smouldering in that wo- 
man's eye to-night?' Curse the little vixen, I will break her haughty spirit 
or break her heart. II I thought she suspected me I would kill her. I do" 
wonder how she measures time? A moment, in<leed!" 

[He rises and walks the floor im}>atiently.] 



"Why is it that voice 1 heard this evening, in the park, haunts me so 
persistently? Could it be — but no! Nell would never leave the house, lor 
have I not forbidden her going out at that hour. Ah! she dare not disobey 
my orders. Here she comes at last. But no— yes — why Nellie, is that you, 
dressed in that rodiculous manner?" 

[Co/nes in as a German woman.] 

Mamma — "Veil, yes! dish ish your leedle Irauleiu Nellie, vat vants to 
know maybe you go mit me walking oud a leedle, and moonlight riding, do- 
morrow evening oud. Ha! ha! ha!" 

[Mr. B. stamp.s with rage and astonishment, and with countenance of 
soiiie wild beast or demon:] 

"What in the name of high Heaven does all this masquerading mean? 
Are you bereft of your senses?" ' c 

[Mamma calmly re[)lies:] 

"Why, no my dear, I just came in as a subject for yonr artistic criticism' 
How do you like me? But if it is not your ideal of a woman's toilet 1 will 
lay it aside. [tShe here disrobes.] I think, sir, you saw the .same style of 
d'fess in the park this evening.'' 

Mr. B.— "Great God! I am lost, I am lost. [In shame and terntr.] 
Nell, are you going to betray me? Hate me, scorn me, despise me if you 
will, but madam, dare not betray me to my wife. ' 
, [Mamma, with contempt:] 

"Betray you to your wife? No indeed! not to the won«an who aimed 
your revolver at my heart for the misdeeds of her guilty husband, v\honi I 
was told, and by yourself, that you were a single man. [Very ironically.] 
Betray you! and do you deny me the privilege of betraying you to the wo- 
man you spend S(j much of your honeyed time with? If you are at all aull 
oi comprehension — I mean the woman you were walking with this evening 
— you, that w'as the king of my waking thoughts and. the God of iiiy dreams,) 
— after all this deception, this double-dyed villinany, talk of be tray al?\, Be- 
tray you to your wife? No! I will not only betray, but I will denounce you 
to the whole world." 

[She fetauds, ivhile uttering the above, proudly an.d as brave as a n)artyr 
at the stake, while he was quivering in every fibre of flesh and sinew, with 
suppressed fury, and grasping her arm tightly he hisses between his closely 
shut teeth words of deadly menace:] 

"You shall never leave this roon) alive. [His ra,ge increases.] I am 
reckless alike of the laws of both God and man, and I am resolved that my 
life shall never be exposed to the world, let it cost what it may." 

[He raises his gold-headed cane and strikes her a blow that fells her to 



the tioor, while the blood Hows slowly over her face and neck.] 

[He exclaims:] 

"No danger now thai those white sealed lips shall ever unclose to de- 
nounce me to the world. She has brought her death upon herself. . She 
would have carried into execution her threat of betraying nie to the world 
if I had not silenced her, and I was obliged to buy my life at the sacrifice 
of hei-s. It is, a clear case of self-defence or self-preservation. I will lay 
her in such a position that when she is found, it will naturally be supposed 
that she fell and struck her head, and it proved a fatal fall. I will cai-efully 
lock the door and Jeave the house." 

[.He advances toward the door, key in hautl, when Mrs. Hastings steps 
into the room dx'essed in gypsy costume. He knows he saw the woman in 
the park with Nellie, and feels undone.] 

Mrs. Hastings —"Not so fast, sir! I have been a witness to this night's 
proceedings, and you had better niake your peace with God, tor the laws of . 
our country ;\yill show y()u iio.mercy, and 1 will Hnish up the work ,of this 
poor, murdered. )5(^;n^n^j^"^^^ .^, f^di ,-d?? 

[Mr. B. ill abje.ct terror:] 

"§pare me, yet a little longeiv If there is one spark of pity in yoin 
heart, spare nie.". .. , f f.:;,, .: 

Mrs. H. — "Spare-you? .fY,ou nii^^er.al)!^ coward! You are utterly heuri- 
less and cruel as the gra.ve^yQu had better plead for mercy at the hands of 
Cjod, who will judge ycm ac.'ording to youi' sins. I; have no pity, only for 
that poot', murdered wqinun lying at your feet." .. 

[He starts and looks at his victim and bends ovtu- her as he sees signs 
of returning life, ejacidating with emphasis:] 

"TJiank Heaven, she is notdead — siie lives — bring a restorative, quick!' 

[Mrs. H. bathes the bleeding forehead, and commands .hiui to lay her 
upon the sofa, when she proceeds to restore her. She slowly opens her eyes 
and Mr. B. steps up to her side.] 

Mr. B. — "Nellie dear, will you forgive and forget the transactions of 
this evening, and pray God to subdue this evil passion. I would ])art with 
my life before 1 would vv'illingly hurt you." # 

i [She arose and stood before him, her beautiful eyes dilated with scorn 
and slumbering fire, meeting his own iioldly and fearlessly, now that her 
weakness was gone.] 

Mamma — "I do not fear you, sir! This is the way you have kept your 
vows made on your bended knees to my little daughter, my darfing Edilh, 
now lying dead and cold in her lonely grave. Had you killed me, the proof 
of your crime would have lived after me, and my spirit would have followed 



you always, as the spectial hounds pursued Action, even to the depths of 
Hades!" ' 

Mr. B. — "O my God, woman, what more terrible thing could happen to 
me than the loss of your love?" 

Mamma — "Love for you sir, is a thing of the past. Go worship at ilie 
shrine of your godess of this evening, as the Pagan worships liis idol — as for 
myself, I have loved you too insanely to ever forgive. There is no weakness 
in my soul to-night, and the only service you can render me is to keep out 
of my sight." 

Mr. B. — "O pitiless avenger! If I thought I could win you back at 
the cost of my immortal t;oul, I would not hesitate to pay the price. Great 
God! there is no word in our language to express the agony I am enduring." 

Mamma — "May kind Heaven grant that the agony you are enduring 
may be turned to remorse, and my prayer to God shall be that it may con- 
tinually knaw at your heart, murderer that you are. I have been patient 
and uncomplaining, but 1 can endure this life no longer. You think me 
relentless and vindictive. Sir, there are trials that do not purify, and sor- 
rows that do not elevate; there are pains and privations that harden the 
tender heart, without softening the stubborn will. Of such is the warp and 
woof of my ill-fated life. At the side of my dead child I vowed a task, cost 
what it might, I would accomplish my revenge. I have this night accom- 
plished the end, and now sir, go! and never let me see your face again." 

[He starts as though to leave her presence, then makes a movement to 
con)e to her again, i)ut suddenly makes another decision, and with head 
bowed upon his breast, walks slowly out fiom her presence. As he goes he 
says from the depths of his soul:] 

"O my God! the agony of this moment is killing me. Driven from her 
presence never to see her again, and I must submit to my fate." [Turns with 
one lonp-, wishful look at her, unutteiably afraid of a nameless something 
that seemed to threaten him with retribution.] 

[Cui'tain drops.] 



TABLEAU. 



Mamma surrounded by her children and Edith appears above their 
heads in the form of an angel, in a halo of blue Heavenly light. 

During the tableau singing in heavenly strains behind the scenes — 
words — "Mamma dear, 1 will Guide Thee." 
\ Chorus of "Precious Promise." 



